AU: When Algeria Lets Money Speak, Democracy and Competence Fall Silent

The recent election to designate the Vice Presidency of the African Union has exposed the opaque mechanisms and underground maneuvers of Algeria, tarnishing the electoral processes within the African institution. After years of resounding failures on both continental and international stages, Algeria, driven by a feverish ambition to restore an image tarnished by successive setbacks, found itself, in a rare instance, in a position to celebrate a victory—albeit a partial one, tainted with doubt.

For several days, well-informed sources within the African Union reported suspicious movements, clandestine negotiations, and questionable practices, shedding light on the persistent shadow of corruption that plagues certain African diplomatic circles.

These maneuvers, orchestrated by the Algerian delegation, vividly illustrate the legitimacy deficit of a candidacy that, under different circumstances, would not have stood a chance of victory. Yet, despite concerted efforts to secure a decisive advantage, the victory obtained was narrow, fragile, and highly debatable, with a mere two-vote margin. It is worth noting that the outcome would have been different had Morocco’s traditional allies—Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Sudan—who were suspended from the organization and thus stripped of their voting rights, been able to influence this diplomatic battle. According to seasoned observers, the Moroccan candidate stood out due to her remarkable track record and clear vision, in stark contrast with her Algerian competitor, who, when asked about her priorities and vision for the AU, could only state that her position was “appealing”—a testament to the intellectual void between her ears.

Regardless, only time will unveil the full extent of the questionable practices that marred this election and eventually expose their ramifications and real implications. However, what remains undeniable is that Morocco’s stature within the African Union, far from weakening, continues to strengthen, demonstrating the resilience of a diplomacy that, through every challenge, only grows in scope and depth.